The Belles of Three Spires
Coventry based, a capella, barbershop group.
The Belles of Three Spires was founded in 1989 and performed at their first convention in 1995.
Lucy Whitwell has been our current musical director since 2012. With Lucy at the helm, the chorus won awards for Most Improved Chorus and Most Improved Director at LABBS in 2013 and 2017. In 2017 they scored their highest competition score with 72.9% and a placing of 9th in the UK! In 2019, the chorus celebrated their Pearl 30th anniversary with a Pearl Ball. Our plans for June 2020 were to perform at Disney in California and attend BHS International Convention in Los Angeles. Sadly, these events were cancelled due to the coronavirus. But when singing got back in full swing The Belles were delighted to return to the Convention stage and obtain a score of 72.6% just short of their previous best, even after so much time apart!
In 2024 the Belles were delighted that their long time Assistant Director and choreo lead Chesca Cocks became the joint MD alongside Lucy. We are excited to see what the future holds!
We welcome singers of any experience level. Members do not need any previous experience or the ability to read music. Being a Belle is all about finding your voice!
Our rehearsals are at Meadow Park School, Coventry. We meet on Wednesdays at 7pm. If you are interested in joining us, please contact our MD (details below) before attending your first rehearsal.
46 Members
We currently have 46 members. We welcome new members at any time and would love to meet you. Please contact our MD (details below) before attending your first rehearsal.
35 Years
35 years and still loving what we do every day
History
Timeline:
1989 – Founded by Michael Brough who was at that time MD of the Sounds of Three Spires Men’s Barbershop Chorus. His partner Cherry Hartshorn thought they could match the men, and she started with with six friends and later became MD once a few more members had joined.
1994 – The chorus joined LABBS and formed the Coventry Ladies Barbershop Harmony Club.
1995 – Performed at their first Convention at Brighton.
2000 – David Morehen became MD.
2003 – Paula Williams was invited to be MD. The Belles moved from 15th place to 4th place in the national competition.
2008 – Timm Barkworth became MD.
2009 – Winners of the Majestic Choir Festival in Torquay.
2011 – Placed 5th at the LABBS Convention in Harrogate.
2012 – Assistant MD Lucy Guess (Edmonds) became acting MD. Sang at Coventry Cathedral to welcome the Olympic Torch and also at Paralympics.
2013 – Appointment of Lucy as permanent MD. Awarded The Most Improved Chorus and Most Improved Director at LABBS Convention.
2014 – 25th Silver Anniversary.
2015 – Increased score for third year running to 72.3% and increased ranking to 7th place at the LABBS Convention.
2017 – Highest ever competition score of 72.9% and a placing of 9th in the UK, awarded The Most Improved Chorus and Most Improved Director at LABBS Convention.
2019 – 30th Pearl Anniversary.
2022 – A long awaited return to singing and Convention obtaining a score of 72.6%.
2024 – Chesca Cocks becomes Joint MD along side Lucy!
Unconventional Convention Belles
The LABBS convention was an Unconventional one this year, with six regional hubs. Nine of our Belles were able to combine their stay in Harrogate with attending the Yorkshire and Humber Hub.
Belles sing at Generate Festival
The Belles of Three Spires were invited to sing at the Generate Festival as part of Coventry City of Culture 2021. It was an exciting event as it was the first singout for nearly two years due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
Sons of Pitches visit
Our Vice Chair Holly organised a visit from Joe Novelli from Sons of Pitches for our zoom social on 14th April. Joe spoke to us for the whole evening and gave us tips on how to make instrumental sounds a Capella. We loved the evening and were grateful of the time Joe...
Belles sing for Earth Hour
Earth Hour was on Saturday 27th March which is an initiative with the World Wildlife Fund WWF to acknowledge our dependence on electricity and to turn off lights for one hour. In conjunction with a local Women's Institute group (where one of our members is Vice...
Christmas Belles video
Christmas Belles is a celebration of the joyful season, from our Belles family and friends, and the singouts that usually take place in the lead up to Christmas. Sadly, due to COVID-19, these have not possible in 2020 so enjoy this compilation from previous years.
Belles in Lockdown Video
Gallery
Contact
The Belles of Three Spires are available for bookings, and we are very open to new members! To book us for an event, please contact our MD (see details below). To enquire about becoming a member, please contact our MD before you attend your first rehearsal.